Principle and method of comprehensive evaluation for breeding target character value shown as an interval number

Purpose - The paper seeks to attempt to solve a decision-making problem for breeding target character shown as an interval number.Design methodology approach - A new comprehensive evaluation method is proposed based on similarity-difference theory and interval number theory. Data from Winter Wheat Group I Variety Regional Test in Henan Province in 2009-2010 were analysed using the proposed method.Findings - The results showed that Zhou 99233 was a good variety; Yuxhan No. 7, An 05-28, Xun K8, Jinyumai 378 and Zhoumai 18 were better ones; 08 luo 36,and Xuke 718 ordinary ones, and others worse ones. Based on this, the feasibility of the method was discussed. It showed that the proposed method had some obvious merits, such as simple arithmetic, convenient operation, flexible and practical, fast and effective.Practical implications - The application of a live example indicated that its evaluation effect was satisfactory.Originality value - The paper succeeds in solving a decision-making problem for breeding target character shown as an interval number.